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Year 8 OptionsSubject Booklet 2018

ENGLISHNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 5

What is included in the course?Within English you will be given the opportunity to develop your skills in Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening. These are important skills in life, which will help you to become a more confident learner in all subjects.

You will work towards two qualifications: GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.

GCSE English Language:• Critical reading of literary texts and non-fiction texts• Descriptive and narrative writing• Writing to present a viewpoint

GCSE English Literature:• A play by Shakespeare (Macbeth)• A 19th Century novel (A Christmas Carol)• A modern text (An Inspector Calls)• Poetry (Love & Relationships)

How will I be assessed?You will sit your GCSE English Literature at the end of Year 10. You will sit your GCSE English Language at the end of Year 11

What grades are available?The grades available are 9 - 1 where 9 is the top grade.

Progression/Career OpportunitiesThis course is excellent preparation for Post 16 courses such as AS and A2 English Language and Literature, English Language and English Literature.

There are also links to university degrees in English Language, English Literature, Media and Journalism.

Who should I contact for more information?

Mrs K Gibson Curriculum Team LeaderMr Wilkinson KS4 English

MATHSNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 5

What is included in the course?Within Mathematics you will develop your knowledge in numeracy, shape and space, problem solving, and data handling. These are important skills that are transferable to other subjects and vital to prospective employers.

Number - fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, number operations.

Algebra - solving equations, expanding brackets, sequences.

Geometry - shapes, area, volume, angles, speed, time.

Statistics - averages, charts, diagrams, probability.

These will be covered throughout the course and all tested at the end of the course by exam.

How will I be assessed?There is a final terminal exam at the end of Year 11. This exam consists of a non-calculator paper and 2 calculator papers.

The grades available are 9 - 1 where 9 is the top grade.

Progression and Career OpportunitiesThis course is excellent preparation for Post 16 courses such as A-Level Mathematics.

There are also links to university degree courses in Mathematics, Engineering, Accountancy and Computing.

Who should I contact for more informationMr Fitzgerald Curriculum Team LeaderMiss Martin KS4 MathsMr Mountain KS4 Maths

SCIENCE: GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE(DUAL AWARD)

NUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 6

What is included in the course?Students study each Science specialism (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) for a total of 6 lessons per week. They will receive a Combined Science qualification worth 2 GCSE grades at the end of Year 11. Students will be entered on either the Higher (grades 9-5) or Foundation (grades 5-1) papers based on their ability in Science.

Combined Science is the minimum requirement for Science education, therefore all students who do not elect to study Single Science will study this course.

This Science route provides a broad understanding of Science and develops transferrable skills that can be applied to other subjects and the workplace.

GCSE Combined Science example content:• Cell Biology & Inheritance, variation and evolution• Atomic structure and the Periodic Table, The properties of matter & Chemical changes• Energy, Electricity, Forces & Waves

How will I be assessed?Students will sit six terminal exams at the end of Year 11. These will be based on the content and practical skills taught throughout Key Stage 4 and the application of this knowledge.

The grades available are 9-1 where 9 is the top grade.

Progression/Career OpportunitiesThe Combined route provides good preparation for the BTEC Applied Science course. Progression onto A Level Science for students taking the Higher paper is possible but the Single Science route is perferable.

Science qualifications open up a range of possibilities from apprenticeships to degree courses in Engineering, Nursing & Forensic Science.

Who should I contact for more informationMr Williams Curriculum Team LeaderMrs Hart KS4 ACTL

SCIENCE: GCSE SINGLE SCIENCES(BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS)

NUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 9

What is included in the course?Students study each Science specialism (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) for a total of 9 lessons per week. They will receive a GCSE Science qualification in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics (3 GCSE grades at the end of Year 11). Students will be entered on the Higher (grades 9-5) papers.

GCSE Single Sciences is an option available to students on the EBacc pathway and/or the top sets in Science.

This Science route provides a deeper understanding of Science and develops a wider range of key transferrable skills that can be applied to other subjects and the workplace.

GCSE Single Sciences example content:• Neuroscience, Monoclonal antibodies & DNA code• Nanoparticles, Organic chemistry & The chemical industry• Space, Nuclear fission & Fusion and lenses

How will I be assessed?Students will sit six terminal exams at the end of Year 11. These will be based on the content and practical skills taught throughout Key Stage 4 and the application of this knowledge.

The grades available are 9-1 where 9 is the top grade.

Progression/Career OpportunitiesThis route provides good preparation for the A Level Sciences, with Post 16 experiences delivered during the course. The natural progression then is to study a Science related degree.

However the Single Science GCSEs are highly regarded as qualifications because they show a good balance of application, practical, numeracy & literacy skills and therefore are desirable for most career-based options.

Who should I contact for more informationMr Williams Curriculum Team LeaderMrs Hart KS4 ACTL

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 1

What is included in the course?You have one lesson each week, which will be a practical lesson. You will not study for any exams, as the main emphasis of this course will be developing skills and enjoyment so that you are equipped and encouraged to continue playing sport in later life.

You will have the opportunity (to a certain extent) to select the sports you do. The following will be included in your options programme at different times of the year.

Students will be encouraged to join extra curricular clubs in the sports they enjoy.

How will I be assessed?• In Year 9, 10 and 11 there will be no formal

assessment, though there will be regular feedback on how your skills progress and how you are developing across the core strands of PE.

Possible next stepsBTEC Subsidiary or Extended Diploma in Sport (1 or 3 x A Levels in 2 years) or A Level Sport available at Minsthorpe Post 16

Who should I contact for more informationMr Mann Curriculum Team LeaderMrs Trusdale 14 - 19 ACTL

• Headball • Gymnastics • Fitness Room • Table Tennis • Boxing • Badminton • Football • Rugby • Hockey

• Uni hoc • Fencing • Cheer Leading • Aerobics • Basketball • Rounders • Cricket • Tennis • Athletics

PE: GCSENUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?In addition to your 1 ‘Entitlement for All’ PE lessons, you will have 3 extra lessons a week to study GCSE PE.

The GCSE course is worth one GCSE.

What might the three years look like?The practical and theory split across the 3 lessons will be approx 50/50 for all 3 years.

Practical sports through the 3 years include:

Theory topics through the 3 years include:

How will I be assessed?GCSE AssessmentYour final grade will be made up of the following:30% practical10% PEP coursework 60% 2 written exams

Possible next stepsA Level PE or Cambridge Technical courses.

All courses are available at Minsthorpe in Post 16.

This course also prepares you for careers in Sports Centres, Sports Coaching and Personal Fitness Training.

Who should I contact for more informationMr Mann Curriculum Team LeaderMrs Trusdale Assistant CTL

• Football• Rugby• Hockey• Netball• Badminton

Paper 1 (36%)

• Applied Anatomy and Physiology• Movement Analysis• Physical Training

• Fitness • Athletics• Cricket• Tennis

Paper 2 (24%)

• Health, Fitness & Wellbeing• Sport Psychology• Cultural Influences

CAMBRIDGE NATIONAL: SPORTNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?In addition to your 1 ‘Entitlement for All’ lessons, you will have 3 extra lessons a week to study Cambridge Technical in Sport.

The CTEC course is equivalent to one GCSE in PE.

What might the three years look like?There will be both practical and theory elements to the course.

Theory topics through the 3 years include:

How will I be assessed?Your final grade will be made up of the following:Coursework1 Written Exam Practical Assessment

Possible next stepsCambridge Technical courses or A Level PE.

All courses are available at Minsthorpe in Post 16.

This course also prepares you for careers in Sports Centres, Sports Coaching and Personal Fitness Training.

Who should I contact for more informationMr Mann Curriculum Team LeaderMrs Trusdale Assistant CTL

• Body systems• Practical sport• Health and fitness• Netball• Badminton

RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?The GCSE is divided into 2 units. Unit 1 ‘Religion and Ethics’ is explored through a study of Christianity whilst Unit 2 ‘Religion, Peace and Conflict’ is examined through the study of Islam. GCSE RE allows you to express your own opinion on a variety of issues:

• How can God exist if suffering exists?• Can abortion ever be right?• Can any modern war be a just war?• Is capital punishment acceptable?

How will I be assessed?Written exams - you will take two exams each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes in May of Year 11.

What grades are available?• This course is worth a full GCSE.• The grades available are 1-9

Possible next stepsGCSE RE can lead to A2 Religious Studies, Philosophy, Ethics and many more.

Understanding others is an essential skill in the world of work. GCSE RE is great preparation for this!

Who should I contact for more informationMrs Jackson Curriculum Team LeaderMrs Madarasz Assistant CTL

LEARNING FOR LIFENUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 1

What is included in the course?L4L lessons encompass:

• Citizenship• Economic Enterprise• Personal Health and Well-BeingWith Skill for Learning SMSC running throughout.

L4L lessons bring the world into context for your own life, make you think about your own place in the world, and what you want your life to be. It involves practical work and information, real life resources and visitors, and a chance to develop your views on issues that affect all our lives.

Every L4L lesson helps develop a variety of skills particularly focusing on Blooms Taxonomy:

• Create• Evaluate• Apply• Explain• Recall

What might the three years look like?Over the three years you’ll cover subjects such as:

In Citizenship and Community Cohesion:• Global Poverty• What is Britishness?

In Economic Understanding, Enterprise and Careers Guidance:• Enterprise Projects• Mock Interviews• Business Structure and Organisation• Preparing for Further Education and Training

In Personal Health, Safety and Well-Being:• First Aid – Emergency Life Support • Relationships and Sex Education• Stress and Depression• eSafety• Risk and Resilience

How will I be assessed?The L4L course is not accredited - No academic grades given with focus on application of effort.

Who should I contact for more informationMrs Jackson Curriculum Team LeaderMrs Osborne T&L• Criminal Justice

• FairTrade

ACTING: BTECNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?The BTEC Acting course is a very practical course that explores the skills of an actor. You will train as an actor and participate in lots of staged performances to different audiences.

The course relies heavily on you working and co-operating as part of a team as you will be staging a range of performances in groups including all the technical aspects of putting on a performance.

The course consists of 3 components which are split up over the three years.

They cover the following areas:

• Exploring the Performing Arts industry

• Presenting findings through a presentation

• Developing acting skills and techniques

• Performing devised and scripted plays

• Participating in a variety of workshops

• Performing to a brief

How will I be assessed?Your work will be assessed both internally, by your teachers and externally, by the exam board. Assessed work will consist of the following:• Performance work• Presentations• Written logs• Portfolio work

What grades are available?Course title - BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts: Acting

Students can be awarded the following grades on the tech award and below is the equivalency to GCSE• Level 1 Pass - 1• Level 1 Merit - 2• Level 1 Distinction - 3• Level 2 Pass - 4• Level 2 Merit - 6• Level 2 Distinction - 8

Possible next stepsA course at Post 16 for students wanting to progress further with Acting Skills. Then go on to study a BA Hons Degree in Acting/Drama at University.

Who should I contact for more informationMiss Thomson ACTL - Creative ArtsMrs Baxter Subject Teacher

ART: BTECNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?BTEC Art and Design aims to develop your ability to research and explore different aspects of Art, Craft and Design from contemporary, historical and cultural sources.

Unit One - Introduction to specialist pathways in Art and Design

Unit Two - Creative project in Art and Design (externally assessed)

Unit Three - Communicating ideas in 2DUnit Four - Communicating ideas in 3D

How will I be assessed?This course consists of coursework units and one exam unit. Each unit within the qualification has specified assessment and grading criteria which are to be used for grading purposes.

Progression & Career Opportunities• There is a course at Post 16 for students

wanting to progress further with their Art Skills. This course is an A Level in Art & Design which continues to develop your skills as an artist.

• Progress to other vocational qualifications such as BTEC Level 3 Nationals at Post 16 is also an option.

• Students are then able to go on to study a BA Hons Degree in a range of Art skills at university.

Who should I contact for more informationMrs Bradford Subject TeacherMrs Patton Subject TeacherMrs Martin Subject Teacher

MUSIC: BTECNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?• The BTEC music qualification is a practical course that explores the skills of a musician• You will get the opportunity to explore the different career opportunities within the music industry • You will be able to learn the instrument of your choice• You will learn to use music software programmes such as garage band• The course consists of four units which are split up over the three years

What might the three years look like?Year 9 - You will explore and develop skills in a practical way such as: Samba, African Drumming, Small group etc you will develop as performers.This is your chance to become the musician you want to be. You may have a hidden talent for singing, playing guitar or as a budding pianist.

Year 10 - You will focus on performance both as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. You must record 3 solos and 3 ensembles in a professional concert setting in the main hall.

You will also have chance to produce your own compositions using the brand new state of the art iMac Suite (exclusively used by Creative Arts students). You will become a film composer and produce music for a specific film scene.

Year 11 - This is your opportunity to put your knowledge of the music industry to the test. You will work as part of a group to organise and put on your own concert. You will be in charge of everything from advertising, auditioning and presenting the final showcase. You may even want to perform in your own concert.

How will I be assessed?During the course you will be assessed in a variety of ways supported by a portfolio of evidence collected.

• One unit is externally assessed – 1 hour exam on the music industry

Possible next stepsYou will have the opportunity to study BTEC music at Level 3 in Music Performance and then study a BA Hons degree in Music or Music Technology.

Who should I contact for more informationMrs Kelly Creative Arts CTLMr Jones Subject Teacher

FRENCHNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

Why Study Languages?

What is included in the course?

You will develop your language skills in a variety of themes:

• Identity & Culture - me, my family and friends, technology in everyday life, free time activities, customs & festivals in France

• Local, national, international & global areas of interest - hometown, neighbourhood & region, social issues, global issues, travel & tourism

• Current & future study & employment - my studies, life at school/college, education post 16, career choices & ambitions

ICT will feature regularly throughout the course. E.g. Use of research using the internet, completing online activities and use of recording equipment.

How will I be assessed?Examination at the end of Year 11 (100%):• Paper 1 - Listening (25%)• Paper 2 - Speaking (25%)• Paper 3 - Reading (25%)• Paper 4 - Writing (25%)

Progression & Career OpportunitiesThis course will lead onto AS and A2 Level French, a wide variety of university degrees and a wider choice of employment opportunities.

Who should I contact for more informationMs Taylor Curriculum Team Leader

BTEC FIRST AWARD IN CHILDREN’S PLAY, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT (CPLD)

NUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?Students will study a BTEC Level 2 First Award in CPLD. Units of study will include:

Patterns of Child Development - Growth and development in children; expected development from birth to eight years; how adults in early year’s settings can support children’s development

Promoting Children’s Development through play - How play promotes children’s development in early year’s settings; how different play opportunities promote children’s development; how play is structured in early year settings to promote children’s development

The Principles of Early Years Practice - The importance of inclusive practise in early years; ways in which early years settings implement inclusive practise; how children are empowered in early years settings; the importance of the key person in supporting children’s development

How will I be assessed?There is a 1 hour examination at the end of Year 10 to assess Unit 1, which will be marked externally.

Unit 2 and 3 will be assessed internally through coursework.

The grades available are Pass, Merit, Distinction, and Distinction*

Progression/Career OpportunitiesThis course is excellent preparation for Post 16 courses such as Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Play Learning and Development (Early Years Educator). It will also compliment further 1 A Level courses such as CPLD; Health and Social Care; Psychology; Sociology

It will support students who are interested in a career in an Early Years setting or who wish to go to university to study Early Years/ Primary teaching; Nursing; Midwifery; Social work, Play work, Childhood Studies

Who should I contact for more informationMrs Steele Curriculum Team Leader Mrs Pidd CPLD teacherMiss Cook CPLD teacher

COMPUTER SCIENCENUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?The subject content is divided into six topics:1. Problem solving - Students will develop their computational thinking skills which will enable them to understand how computer systems work, and design and create algorithms to solve problems2. Programming - Students will become competent at designing, reading, writing and debugging computer programs and be given lots of opportunities to develop and practise their programming skills throughout the course3. Data - This topic covers binary representation of data, data compression, encryption and data storage in databases4. Computers - This is concerned with the hardware and software components of a computer system5. Communication and the Internet - This topic is about networks, network and cyber-security and the Internet and WWW

How will I be assessed?Instead of having just one written paper covering all six topics, this new course has two papers - one focusing on principles of computer science and the other on computational thinking - each has a 40% weighting. The other 20% is made up of one substantial project, in which students must analyse a problem and design, implement, test, refine and evaluate a solution. This Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) will take 20 hours to complete. This will be undertaken in Term 1 of Year 11.

What grades are available?This is a Level 2 course in which you will work towards one GCSE, grades 1-9.

Possible next stepsFurther Study - This course would be a good preparation for students wanting to study Computing at Post 16, it would be a good pathway on to the A Level.

Minimum requirements • A minimum target grade of 5 in Maths• A minimum score of 60% on your CDM examIf a student does not meet this criteria, but wishes to study Computing at Key Stage 4, please contact Mr Mallinson to discuss further.

Who should I contact for more informationMr Mallinson Curriculum Team LeaderMs Boyd Assistant CTL

What is included in the course?Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sector-focused, including film, television, web development, gaming and animation, and have IT at their heart.

They provide knowledge in a number of key areas in this field from pre-production skills to digital animation and have a motivating, hands-on approach to both teaching and learning. Cambridge Nationals deliver skills across the whole range of learning styles and abilities, effectively engaging and inspiring all students to achieve great things.

How will I be assessed?Unit 1 – ‘Pre-Production Skills’ is an externally assessed examination lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes, it covers 25% of the total GCSE.Unit 2 – ‘Creating Digital Graphics’ is a practical unit. The aim of this unit is for learners to understand the basics of digital graphics editing for the creative and digital media sector. They will learn where and why digital graphics are used and what techniques are involved in their creation. This unit will develop learners’ understanding of the client brief, time frames, deadlines and preparation techniques as part of the planning and creation process.Unit 3 – ‘Creating a digital animation’ is a practical unit. This unit enables learners to understand the basics of digital animation for the creative and digital media sector. Learners will be able to plan a digital animation to a client brief, use animation software to create the animation and be able to store, export and review the final product.Unit 4 – ‘Creating a multipage website’ is a practical unit. This unit will enable learners to understand the basics of creating multipage websites. It will enable learners to demonstrate their creativity by combining components to create a functional, intuitive and aesthetically pleasing website. It will allow them to interpret a client brief and to use planning and preparation techniques when developing a multipage website.

What grades are available?This is a Level 2 course in which you will work towards one GCSE equivalent.

Possible next stepsFurther Study -This course would be good preparation for students wanting to study IT/Media in Post 16, it would be a good pathway onto the Cambridge Technicals.

Who should I contact for more informationMr Mallinson Curriculum Team Leader

CAMBRIDGE NATIONALS INCREATIVE I-MEDIA

NUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGYNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?Within GCSE Design Technology you can either specialise in Product Design or Textiles. The area in which you will be placed will be decided by your strengths and skills learned at Key Stage 3.

Hospitality and Catering, both at Level 1 and Level 2 is also offered for those students who wish to further their interest in a food-based subject.

In all of these subject areas you will have a varied experience that will allow you to enhance and develop your practical skills within the area that you choose to study.

What will you be doing?In Hospitality and Catering you will be planning and cooking your own meals and learning about the Hospitality industry. In Textiles you will have the chance to create functional and creative products to a high standard. In Product Design you will develop your manufacturing and modelling skills to design and make products that solve real world problems.

Textiles and Product Design will follow the same theory content in Year 9, covering the core theory topics. In Year 10, theory is subject specific, where students will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject area they are in. One single lesson a week is dedicated to the theory content, as this will make up 50% of students’ final GCSE grade. Hospitality and Catering will cover specific theory content that covers the Hospitality industry, this will also be examined in Year 11.

You will need to...• Develop your own project from a set design• Demonstrate creativity, initiative and commitment to complete your projects to a high standard• Be able to work hard and solve problems independently

How will I be assessed?Product Design & Textiles• In Years 9 and 10 you will complete a range of projects and mock tests that will be assessed agains the WJEC GCSE criteria• In Year 11 your GCSE is made up from your major project (50%) and written exam (50%)

Hospitality and Catering• In Years 9 and 10 you will complete a range of projects and mock tests that will be assessed against the WJEC criteria• In Year 11 the course will be made up from a major project (60%) and a written exam (40%)

What grades are available?Product Design & Textiles• This course is worth a full GCSE, graded between 1-9

Hospitality and Catering• This is a Level 1 or Level 2 course where a Pass, Merit or Distinction can be achieved

Possible next stepsIf you do well at GCSE you can do the GCE A level course in Product Design.

Who should I contact for more informationMiss Bradley Curriculum Team LeaderMr Ritucci ACTL Design & Technology

GEOGRAPHYNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?Geography is a popular subject. It teaches you to use a variety of skills which are useful in other subjects like English, Maths and Science.

in GCSE Geography you will study the world at a range of scales from a local ecosystem up to global satellite images. You will look at how nature shaped the earth. You will also study how people are affected by the earth and how they have changed it, not always for the better.

Geography as a subject tests more skills than any other. Literacy and numeracy skills are improved throughout the course. Geography also creates ‘analytical thinkers’, ‘report writers’, ‘leaders’, people who can react in the field and show pragmatism. It truly is a subject which encourges a variety of skills. How will I be assessed? The course taught at GCSE is the new AQA Geography GCSE (8035) and is assessed by three separate papers:Paper 1: Living with the physical environment (35%)Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment (35%)Paper 3: Geographical applications (30%)

What grades are available?In the Geography course a GCSE qualification is available. Grades available are 9 - 1 where 9 is the top grade. Possible next stepsThis course links well into Post 16. There are established A-Levels in Geography which link naturally but the skills developed on this course will help with the study of a wide range of A-Levels.

Nearly all universities and colleges offer courses in Geography.

Who should I contact for more informationMiss Werrett ACTL - Humanities

HISTORYNUMBER OF PERIODS PER WEEK: 3

What is included in the course?History is a popular subject. It teaches you to use a variety of skills such as the identification, comparison and evaluation of information within a historical setting. These skills will also help you progress in other subjects, particularly English and are valued highly by future employers.

GCSE History will include:

• Britain: Power and the People, 1170 to the present day

• Norman England, 1066-1100 including the study of one historical site in depth

• America, 1920-1973: Opportunity and Inequality

• Conflict and Tension between East and West 1945-1972

How will I be assessed?GCSE History is divided into 4 modules which are assessed externally through two examinations at the end of Year 11.

What grades are available?GCSE History• This course is worth a full GCSE. • The grades available are 9 - 1 where 9 is the top grade

Possible next stepsThis course will lead onto AS and A2 Level History and a wide variety of university degrees such as Law, Journalism, Teaching and many more.

Who should I contact for more informationMiss Fletcher CTL - Humanities

MCCMinsthorpeCommunity College

Principal: Raymond HenshawVice Principal: Mark Gilmore

http://minsthorpe.ccEmail: enquiries@minsthorpe.cc

Tel: 01977 657600 Fax: 01977 657605